OPENING CAST AUGUST 2026
Closing Cast for a Crappie Legend
Every once in a while, you come across someone who doesn’t just enjoy the sport of fishing—they help shape it. For more than three decades, Tim Huffman has done exactly that for the world of crappie fishing. And with this issue of CrappieNOW, we tip our hats as Tim steps away from his role as senior writer to spend more time on the water and on the road with his wife, Jeanne.
Tim’s story starts the way many of ours do—simple, honest and a little bit wild. A cane pole, a steep bank and a hard-fighting bowfin that dragged a seven-year-old boy into knee-deep water. That moment could’ve gone a lot of ways, but for Tim, it set the hook for good. Fishing wasn’t just something he did. It became part of who he is.
Myth Busting: Old-School Crappie Tactics That Still Work
Crappie Dan shows two great crappie catches after a day on the water. Myth Busting: Old-School Crappie Tactics That Still Work By Anietra Hamper Photos courtesy of Dan Dannenmueller For Dan Dannenmueller Sr., better known across the fishing world as “Crappie Dan,” his success with crappie fishing isn’t because of forward-facing sonar or expensive gear. It’s […]
One of a Kind: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Oxford, Mississippi By Kyleigh Touro
The exterior of Wonderbird Spirits welcomes visitors to one of America’s only grain-to-glass gin distilleries, where Mississippi Delta rice is transformed into award-winning handcrafted gin. photo by Kyleigh Touro One of a Kind: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Oxford, Mississippi By Kyleigh Touro When people think of Oxford, Mississippi, they often picture the historic Square, […]
Going Deep on Dale Hollow Story and photos by Richard Hines
Mac Bray (left) and Dale Hollow guide Corey Thomas with a nice Dale Hollow crappie. Many anglers are missing great opportunities and scenery by not fishing some of the nation’s mountain lakes. Going Deep on Dale Hollow Story and photos by Richard Hines Deep water can add complexity to crappie fishing, especially if you have […]
Choosing the Right Jig & Crankbait Colors
A box of plastic jigs featuring a variety of body styles and fish-catching colors for clear to dingy waters. Choosing the Right Jig & Crankbait Colors Story and photos by Tim Huffman It’s amazing how many fishermen disagree with me when I tell them there is no doubt an orange/chartreuse jig is the best jig […]
8 Tips for Warm-Season Fish Care
A careful release starts with keeping fish in the water as much as possible. During hot summer weather, minimizing air exposure can significantly improve a fish’s chances of survival. Photo by Keith Sutton 8 Tips for Warm-Season Fish Care Source: TheWaterWire.com Fishing during the heat of summer means going the extra mile to make sure […]
Crappie Basics: Start a Crappie Library
A well-stocked crappie library is as valuable as a full tackle box—timeless lessons that still put fish in the boat. Crappie Basics: Start a Crappie Library By Keith Sutton Spend enough time chasing crappie, and you’ll learn plenty on the water. But some of the best lessons don’t come from a rod and reel. […]
Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Life Beyond the Tug
Paddling With Madalyn: Life Beyond the Tug By Madalyn Roberts If you hang around crappie anglers long enough and pay attention, you’ll eventually hear folks say catching fish is just a bonus. Then you’ll hear someone say, “The tug is the drug.” For newcomers, that can be a little confusing, so let’s unpack it. The […]
CN How To August 2026 Crappie Dan’s Playbook, Summertime Alabama River Fishing
Crappie Dan fishing the hot Alabama river for summertime crappie.